Homes for Heifers
Ranchers Giving. Kids Receiving Purpose.
Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR) has always been a working ranch. We’re not four walls—we’re 400 acres. That’s what sets us apart from other residential treatment centers. It gives kids space to get outside, stay active, and take part in real ranch work, working with cattle and out in the field.
Homes for Heifers gives ranchers a unique way to support kids through livestock donation, keeping agricultural tradition alive while helping youth build responsibility, routine, and confidence.
How Homes for Heifers Works
Homes for Heifers allows ranchers across Montana and beyond to support youth through livestock donation.
We maintain a working herd of Black Angus cow/calf pairs and replacement heifers on our ranchland between Billings and Laurel. In addition, YBGR heifers live on ranches across the state and around the country.
When a rancher becomes a Homes for Heifers partner:
- A YBGR heifer or cow/calf pair joins their herd
- That animal produces calves alongside their livestock
- The calf is either picked up by YBGR or sold by the rancher
- Proceeds are donated back to the Ranch to support youth programming and ranch-based therapy
Calf Roundup
Calf Roundup is a similar program in which ranchers donate one of their own calves directly to YBGR. We either pick up the calf, or the proceeds from its sale are donated to the Ranch.
What Your Donation Makes Possible
Working with livestock offers youth more than skills. It offers purpose.
“I realized I was like those calves—motherless until my aunt stepped in. Bottle feeding them helped me understand how much she had done for me. That work helped me heal.” — Chloe, YBGR Graduate
Through daily ranch life—feeding calves, caring for animals, and taking on real responsibility—kids build:
- Routine and accountability
- Confidence and connection
- A sense of responsibility and belonging
- Healing through care and purpose
For many youth, this is the first place they experience consistency, trust, and meaningful responsibility—supporting healing while helping prepare them for life beyond the Ranch.
From Ranch to Table
Today, Homes for Heifers also plays a direct role in nourishing kids at the Ranch.
Through a partnership with The Producer Partnership, livestock donated through Homes for Heifers can be processed at no cost into high-quality protein for the youth in our care, turning rancher generosity into real, nutritious meals that support overall wellness.
Stewardship Behind the Program
Homes for Heifers is overseen by Gary Adams, Director of Ranch Donor Relations.
Gary has been part of the YBGR family for more than 30 years and works directly with rancher donors to manage the Ranch’s herd, coordinate donations, and keep our agricultural therapy tradition thriving.
Ready to Get Involved?
Homes for Heifers and Calf Roundup offer impactful ways to support kids at the Ranch.
To start a donation or learn more about livestock giving:
Gary Adams
Director of Ranch Donor Relations
(406) 855-5230
gadams@ybgr.org